Our beloved, beautiful and brilliant Mom, Judith “Judie” Mercedes Elizabeth Byrne Masters, passed away peacefully at home in Santa Cruz, California surrounded by love and her family.

Born in Delano, CA, Judie was the first child of Barbara Reddington Reid Byrne and William “Dutch” Byrne. She married her high school sweetheart, Alton Leroy Masters, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure until his passing in 1996.

Judie is survived by her daughters April Masters Ruhne (Brent Ruhne) and Cindy Masters (Teddy Trujillo); her siblings Margaret Byrne Berlin (Jim Berlin) and William “Bill” Byrne (Catherine Byrne); her “chosen granddaughter,” Leah Avila; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alton Masters, her sister Jane deLeon, and her parents.

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Judie graduated from Delano High School in 1957, earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Fresno State, and went on to receive two Master’s degrees from CSU Bakersfield—one in Early Childhood Education and another in Educational Administration. 

She began her teaching career in McFarland, California and, after the birth of her daughters, taught kindergarten before serving as Vice Principal in the Wasco Elementary School District until her retirement in 2001. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of countless children, parents, friends, and colleagues with her warmth, humor, and steadfast belief in the power of learning.

After retiring, Judie embarked on her next great adventure: travel. With her characteristic curiosity and zest for life, she explored the world with family and friends, discovering new cultures and treasures at every turn. France and New Zealand held a special place in her heart, reflecting her love of beauty, art, and discovery.

Judie was endlessly curious, artistic, funny, brilliant, and brave, with an unmistakable sense of grace and style. She cherished books, art, fine food, meaningful conversation, and the company of those she loved. A lifelong admirer of dachshunds, she shared her home with many over the years, and her much-loved Bella was faithfully by her side when she passed.

Dedicated to giving back, Judie served on several boards, including the Wasco Community Scholarship Association and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, always finding ways to lift others up and make a difference in her community.

Those who knew Judie will remember her joy, purpose, and elegance. Though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing she is off on her next great adventure.

Celebrations of her life will be held in Santa Cruz, California; Wasco, California and Paris, France at a later date. Those wishing to honor Judie’s memory are invited to contribute to The Alton and Judith Masters Memorial Scholarship (Wasco Community Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 7, Wasco, CA 93280).